THE EXCITING JOURNEY OF Writing​a Fictional Book

​ One of the wonderful rewards from writing is that I am able to make the characters do whatever I choose, within reason of course. For me the process begins with something simple, like a day in the park, or going into a department store, eating lunch, walking down a dark alley at 2 in the morning.

The possibilities of having something fantastic, scary, happy, or sad happen in each one of those venues is endless. Luckily, I'm a daydreamer, and have always been. Even as a child, I enjoyed being by myself, and could create numerous games to entertain myself.

I wrote one short story, where a nine year old boy stops by the window of bakery every morning, just as this renowned baker is displaying a tray full of beautifully made cupcakes for everyone to see. Every morning the boy stares at them, from outside the window. Every day, he shakes his head no, rejecting the tasty creations, then walks away. Leaving the famous baker completely devastated.

Creating fictional characters, along with fictional scenarios, ones that slightly bend the rules, but remain credible are very gratifying. Especially when the scene is finished, and something rather unexpected happens to either the protagonist or antagonist, then without difficulty it leads to a series of unanticipated events.

I honestly can say, after writing three complete novels, each story began with one premise, and for one reason or another, when completed, their endings were not even close to what I had first imagined they would be. I allowed myself to let the story develop on its own, and to let the characters come alive. The great part of all of this is in reality, I am in total control.

Author

Robert Stephen.What makes a writer? What do you envision when you think about that question?

Someone sitting by an open window looking out over the ocean, desert, mountains? Rainy day, foggy, sunny?

My definition of a writer of fiction. A person who drives himself or herself to the edge of insanity when writing a story to the best of their ability that you the reader find entertaining.

I can honestly say my life has been interesting, far from boring. Land baron, restaurateur, photographer, artisan, author. A life full of ups and downs. A life full of stories.

Along the way I've met hundreds of people, some interesting, some not. Some dangerous, some beautiful, some kind, and some cruel. During my lifetime I've even had my heart run over a couple of times, but when all of it is said and done I wouldn't trade it in.

Writing has always been inside of me, but the siren never called to me. I wasn't ready until one day in October of 2015 when life said, "Start writing."

Writing is a long journey, full of many perils, but don't be afraid it is an exciting adventure!